02 February 2008

So, there's a funny little story out there involving John F. Kennedy. In 1963, he made a visit to West Berlin. Once there he gave a very moving speech, and ended it with a heartfelt "Ich bin ein Berliner!" ("I am a Berliner!"). The crowd before him, they roared with enthusiasm. Only, unfortunately for Kennedy, the literal translation of "Ich bin ein Berliner!" is actually, "I am a jelly doughnut!".

Okay okay,... because he was not an actual real Berliner, his translation was actually technically correct (true Berliners would say, "Ich bin Berliner"). But I rather enjoy the thought that he shouted to a crowd that he was a jelly doughnut. And besides, Berliners are one rockin' jelly doughnut, so it's a great choice if you were to actually pretend you were a doughnut.

Berliners, as you can tell by this point, are a German jelly doughnut. They are traditionally served in the days prior to Ash Wednesday (hence the post, as we're closing in quickly!). I love these doughnuts. They remind me of cannonballs, a nice poofy dough with a sweet jam center. The dough itself is not too sweet, which I find just lovely. Although I rolled mine in sugar instead of the traditional sprinkle of powdered sugar, to make up for that lack of sweetness (for those people like dear Hubs, who has an insatiable sweet tooth).

There's another reason for the timing of this post, and that would be Peabody and Tartlette's event "Time to Make the Doughnuts". When you get these two ladies together, it's a dynamic similar to the duo of me and my sister Beah (except for fabulous baked goods and sweets, not mischief). Considering the hostesses, there was no way I was passing this one up. Besides: what a great reason to break out the fryer, right?? So to you, my dear ladies, I bring Berliners. And I wanna hear a nice "Ich bin ein Berliner" from you!

Mix 2 cups flour with sugar and salt. Make a well in the center and add 1/4 cup warm water and the yeast. Allow to rise 20 minutes.

Add egg yolks, remaining water, and butter. Beat until well-blended. Add lemon rind and remaining flour until a soft dough is formed. Knead for 5-10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

Punch dough down. On lightly floured board roll dough 1/4 inch thick. cut dough into 2 inch rounds. On half of the rounds place about 1 teaspoons of jam or jelly. Moisten edges with water. Place a second round on top. Press firmly to seal edges. Let rise 15 minutes.

Fry in deep fat heated to 375 F for 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Cut into first doughnut to be sure it is done in the center. Drain on absorbent paper and sprinkle with lots of sugar as the doughnuts are not sweet.

42 comments:

they look gorgeous! try to fill them with plum butter next time - that's the way most Berliners like to eat them... and there's nothing wrong with using normal sugar instead of powdered sugar - it's actually more common in Berlin's bakeries to use sugar and not powdered sugar! god, they look so good, i'll have to get some Berliners from my bakery tomorrow...

dear nemmie: try it with plum jelly, should be tasty as well. you can actually fill Berliners with any kind of jam you like. During carnival season (now!) in Germany people also enjoy rather modern fillings like advocaat (egg liqueur) or nutella...

Excellent way to make a pfannkuchen or whatever! I love all kind of German recipes. Especially this one, I think you've enough talent to do something more sophisticated and bringing to us, but this entry was absolutely amazing, as Viagra Online awards for Germans and Russians chiefs. Did you know about that?

Very good customer service, prompt delivery (lol...prompt for coming from so far away!), and good products. I recommend this company to my friends all the time. is a godsend to those of us without medical insurance.

Great stuff Buy Aldara Cream . The information and the detail were just perfect. Order Biltricide 600mg think that your perspective is deep, its just well thought out and really fantastic to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts down so well. Great job on this.

Fexofenadine is used to relieve the allergy symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (''hay fever''), including runny nose; sneezing; red, itchy, or watery eyes; or itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth in adults and children 2 years of age and older.

About Me

About This Blog

Cast sugar: (n.) Sugar that has been poured into molds and set. This technique produces sturdy pieces, and is almost always used for the base and structural elements of sugar showpieces.

I'm exploring the world of cooking from my home in Middle America, and from several aspects: baking, cooking, restaurant reviews, and notes on regional foods when I'm lucky enough to travel. My hope is for this blog to serve as a sturdy base for me to better develop cooking, baking, and foodie skills.